Biden first will appear at a fund-raising lunch for Himes in Greenwich, then head over to the Merritt Parkway to promote the federal stimulus program with Dodd about 3 p.m.

The vice president is expected to tout Dodd and Himes for bringing federal money to Connecticut, including funds for $70 million in improvements to the parkway.

Himes is serving in his first term in Congress, while Dodd has been struggling with low poll numbers and faces a potential Democratic primary. Five Republicans have also announced plans to seek the GOP nomination.

President Barack Obama also has a Connecticut visit planned for Oct. 23 to help Dodd raise campaign cash.